Malik Beasley is no longer the target of a federal gambling investigation, his attorneys said in a statement Friday. Months into the inquiry led by the U.S. district attorney’s office, Beasley has been identified as uncharged and not the focus of the probe, the lawyers emphasized.
An assertion with no charge, indictment or conviction should never have the catastrophic consequence this has caused Malik. This has literally been the opposite of the presumption of innocence, said Steve Haney and Mike Schachter.
The investigation concerns alleged gambling tied to NBA games and player prop bets and reportedly began in relation to Beasley’s 2023-24 season. During that campaign, Beasley appeared in 79 games for Milwaukee, averaging 11.3 points and earning 77 starting assignments.
Industry observers noted unusually high betting interest on Beasley’s prop statistics around January 2024, according to a gambling industry source familiar with the matter.
Beasley, 28, spent the 2024-25 season with the Detroit Pistons, and discussions had been underway about a three-year, roughly $42 million contract to bring him back. Those negotiations have paused because of the ongoing investigation. Detroit acknowledged awareness of the probe and deferred further comment to the NBA. An NBA spokesperson likewise said the league is cooperating with federal prosecutors.
Beasley finished the latest season averaging 16.3 points per game across all 82 appearances. His career has included a prior off-court legal matter; Beasley pleaded guilty to a felony charge of threats of violence and served a 120-day jail sentence after the 2020-21 season, with a 12-game suspension occurring during the 2021-22 season with Minnesota.
Contextual note: NBA governance has previously taken action in gambling cases, including a 2024 suspension of former Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter for disclosing confidential information to bettors and wagering on games.
What this means going forward: With no charges filed, Beasley remains in a period of uncertainty regarding his free-agent status and any potential return to Detroit. The lack of charges keeps the door open for him to re-engage contract talks if the legal situation remains unresolved or improves, while teams will await further developments from prosecutors.
Summary: Beasley’s legal status remains clear for now—not charged and not the target of the federal gambling inquiry—but the investigation’s status could influence contract decisions and team plans in the near term. The next updates from prosecutors will determine whether Beasley continues to navigate this matter publicly or moves forward with his basketball career.
Positive note: If the matter continues to move toward resolution without charges, Beasley can refocus on his on-court performance and potential opportunities, continuing to contribute as a veteran guard with a track record of solid scoring and durability.